Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to boosting electricity supply and ensuring the success of the Presidential Power Initiative, PPI, describing power as central to economic growth, industrialization, and social development in Nigeria.
Speaking during a meeting with Siemens Energy at the State House, Tinubu highlighted the strategic role of electricity in driving industrial growth, education, healthcare, and transportation.
“There is no industrial growth or economic development without power. I believe that power is the most significant discovery of humanity in the last 1,000 years,” the President stated.
He commended the partnership with Siemens Energy, noting that progress has been made but emphasizing that more needs to be done.
“We appreciate the support and commitment of the German government and Siemens. The investment you are making and your commitment align with the future of this country,” Tinubu said, directing the expansion of major transformer substations from two to three phases to further boost electricity supply.
President Tinubu concluded: “We want everyone to see the glory of our economic recovery and the banishment of poverty. Power is central to that journey, and we are taking it very seriously.”
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, detailed key milestones achieved under the PPI, including the decentralization of the sector, the signing of the Electricity Act 2023, and the development of a National Integrated Electricity Policy, which has attracted over $2.2 billion in fresh investments.
“Since the Pilot Phase, Siemens Energy has delivered and commissioned 10 units of 132/33kV mobile substations, three units of 75/100MVA transformers, and seven units of 60/66MVA transformers, adding 984MW of transmission capacity to the national grid,” he said.
Adelabu also highlighted progress on Phase One – Batch One, covering five substations in Abeokuta, Offa, Ayede-Ibadan, Sokoto, and Onitsha, with civil works mobilization completed and two substations slated for completion by the end of 2026.
Plans for Phase One – Batch Two, comprising six brownfield and ten greenfield substations, are already underway, targeting a cumulative impact of 4,104MW.
The leader of the Siemens delegation, Dietmar Siersdorfer, said the initiative would not only improve power supply but also drive local content, technology transfer, and job creation.
“The PPI is not just a project but a platform for long-term development and prosperity. Nigerian professionals will be directly engaged at the project sites, and thousands of jobs will be created in local communities,” he stated.
Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, emphasized the economic benefits of the PPI, noting that its completion would enhance Nigeria’s ease of doing business, reduce poverty, and create youth employment.
Representing the German government, Johannes Lehne assured continued support and collaboration, signaling strong international confidence in Nigeria’s power sector reforms.
